Development Tools for Polkadot

Development tools for Polkadot cover a wide range of frameworks, libraries, and resources that simplify the creation and integration of specialized blockchains within Polkadot’s secure and scalable multichain environment. By leveraging Substrate’s modular architecture, developers can easily customize core functionalities while benefiting from interoperability across the Polkadot network.

Development Tools for Polkadot

PAPI (Polkadot API)

POP CLI

Bagpipes

Polkadot Deployment Portal

ReactiveDOT

Dedot

Paraspell

Chopsticks

Gear Protocol

Parachain Builder

Polkadart

Zombienet

Polkadot Development Videos

Building on Polkadot - Shawn Tabrizi

5 Resources to Learn Polkadot Development - LV

Development Resources for Polkadot

Development Resources

Resource	Description
Introduction to Polkadot Cloud	Introduction to Polkadot Cloud and how it works.
Polkadot Development Documentation	Official Polkadot development documentation.
Deploy on Paseo Testnet	Guide to deploying on the Paseo testnet.
Build a Custom Pallet	Tutorial on creating a custom pallet for Polkadot.
Set Up a Parachain Template	Instructions to set up a parachain template.
Polkadot Remix	Tool for developing smart contracts on Polkadot.
Polkadot Faucet	Service to request free test tokens for Polkadot testnets.
Interoperability	Documentation about interoperability within the Polkadot ecosystem.

Polkadot Developer Tools 2025: PAPI, Dedot, ReactiveDOT, POP CLI, PDP, Paraspell, Bagpipes, Chopsticks

A pragmatic guide to the 2025 Polkadot developer toolkit. We compare PAPI, Dedot, ReactiveDOT, POP CLI, Polkadot Deployment Portal, Paraspell, Bagpipes, and Chopsticks so you know what each does, when to use which, and how they fit together in a modern Polkadot stack.

ELI5: The moving parts you will touch

Client libraries help your app talk to chains
- PAPI is light client first and strongly typed with small bundles for the web
- Dedot is a lightweight, tree shakable JS client with strong types and multi chain support
- ReactiveDOT adds reactive front end bindings over PAPI for smooth UI data flows
Scaffold and deploy
- POP CLI scaffolds chains and contracts and automates local networks with a clear developer flow
- PDP provides a guided rollup deployment experience with a portal to monitor progress
Cross chain and no code
- Paraspell is an XCM SDK that supports both PAPI and polkadot.js styles
- Bagpipes lets you compose cross chain workflows without code
Fork and simulate
- Chopsticks forks live Polkadot SDK networks locally to replay blocks, test XCM, and mutate state safely

The 2025 toolkit at a glance

Front end and data layer: Start with PAPI for typed access. Add ReactiveDOT if you prefer reactive patterns. Consider Dedot when tree shaking and very lean bundles are top priority.
CLI and deployment: Use POP CLI for project scaffolding and local flows. Use PDP to deploy a rollup through a guided UI.
Interoperability: Use Paraspell to standardize XCM calls. Try Bagpipes for no code demos and operations.
Local testing: Use Chopsticks to reproduce bugs, test governance and asset flows, and validate XCM before mainnet.

How the tools differ and work together

PAPI vs Dedot vs ReactiveDOT

PAPI
- Modular TypeScript suite that generates fully typed APIs per chain
- Browser friendly and small bundles with a light client first approach
- Good default for modern front ends that want strong typing and DX
Dedot
- Next generation, tree shakable JS client with multi chain ergonomics
- Easy migration path if you are used to polkadot.js
- Good when bundle size matters and you want a lean multi chain client
ReactiveDOT
- Reactive layer for React and Vue built on PAPI
- Caches reads and exposes reactive values across your app
- Useful when you want composables or hooks and fewer manual subscriptions

Rule of thumb: Start with PAPI. Add ReactiveDOT for reactive UI needs. Choose Dedot if you need the leanest bundles or prefer a familiar polkadot.js style with a modern spin.

POP CLI and PDP

POP CLI scaffolds chains and contracts, runs local nodes, and integrates with PDP to hand off deployment
PDP aims for a guided rollup deployment on Polkadot Cloud

Why it matters: A realistic 2025 flow looks like prototype locally with POP, fork and test with Chopsticks, deploy to testnets via PDP, then iterate runtime upgrades. PDP abstracts multi step registration and provides a portal to track deployments.

Paraspell and Bagpipes

Paraspell standardizes XCM calls and supports both PAPI and polkadot.js which smooths client migrations
Bagpipes is a no code builder for cross chain workflows that is great for demos, ops, and stakeholder validation

Chopsticks

Chopsticks creates local copies of live networks so you can replay blocks, tweak state, experiment with XCM, and test OpenGov scenarios without touching production.

Quick start: an end to end dev flow

Scaffold a front end with PAPI and ReactiveDOT
- Install and generate typed bindings per chain
- PAPI generates fully typed operations from chain metadata which improves IDE hints and safety
Wire reactive reads
- Use ReactiveDOT composables or hooks to fetch and cache balances, chain constants, and contract calls with Suspense friendly loading
Prototype cross chain
- Use Paraspell SDK to declare standard transfers or XCM flows
- Dual support for PAPI and polkadot.js smooths migrations
Spin up infra with POP CLI
- Scaffold a parachain or contract project
- Run a local network and tests from the terminal
Fork mainnet behavior with Chopsticks
- Reproduce bugs or validate XCM and governance sequences against a local fork before submitting extrinsics on real networks
Deploy a rollup with PDP
- Use POP integration to kick off a guided deployment and monitor progress in the portal UI

Feature comparison table

Tool	What it is	Stand out strengths	Typical use	Notes
PAPI	TS client, light client first	Strong typing, small bundles, browser friendly	Front end and Node dApps	Modular design and per chain types
Dedot	Next gen JS client	Lightweight, tree shakable, multi chain ergonomics	Lean, multi chain dApps	Familiar for polkadot.js users
ReactiveDOT	Reactive front end layer	Cached reads and reactive values, Suspense friendly	React and Vue UI data access	Built on PAPI
POP CLI	Scaffold, build, test, deploy	Rapid scaffolding and local networks, PDP handoff	Chains and contracts	Clear developer workflow
PDP	Rollup deployment portal	Guided deployment with progress monitoring	Testnet or mainnet rollups	Integrates with POP CLI
Paraspell	XCM SDK	Unified XCM surface, supports PAPI and polkadot.js	Cross chain transfers and routers	Reduces boilerplate
Bagpipes	No code cross chain builder	Drag and drop workflows	Demos, ops, non dev flows	Good for stakeholder validation
Chopsticks	Forking and simulation	Fork live networks, replay blocks, test XCM	Pre mainnet validation	Useful for governance and asset flows

Common pitfalls and pro tips

Do I need polkadot.js if I am using PAPI or Dedot Not necessarily. PAPI and Dedot are standalone clients. Paraspell can work with either, which helps during migration.
Over fetching in the UI Without a reactive layer you will often re query the same values. ReactiveDOT caches repeated reads and keeps state in sync.
Shipping before simulating Avoid test in prod habits. Use Chopsticks to replay blocks and dry run XCM and governance flows locally.
Treating deployment as bespoke ops With POP to PDP you can standardize rollup deployment, monitor progress, and reduce manual steps.
Cross chain gotchas Abstract with Paraspell. It unifies XCM calls and reduces edge case handling.

FAQs

Is PAPI replacing polkadot.js? PAPI is not an official replacement for polkadot.js. It is the recommended default for most new web dapps thanks to its light client first design, strong TypeScript typing, and small bundles. polkadot.js remains supported for existing stacks, and Dedot is a lean modern alternative. Teams choose based on DX and bundle constraints.
What is the difference between PAPI and Dedot? Both are typed JS or TS clients. PAPI emphasizes light client mode and generated types per chain. Dedot emphasizes lightweight, tree shakable, multi chain ergonomics and migration ease from polkadot.js.
Do I need ReactiveDOT? Not required, but it simplifies front end state by caching reads and exposing reactive values across your app.
How do I deploy a rollup quickly? Use POP CLI for setup, then deploy via PDP with a guided flow that automates the heavy lifting and provides a portal to monitor progress.
Can I simulate OpenGov or XCM locally? Yes. Chopsticks forks live networks, replays blocks, and lets you test XCM and governance flows without touching production.
What is the easiest way to prototype cross chain transfers? Paraspell provides a unified interface for common XCM transfers and supports both client styles.
Any starter templates? Community starters combine PAPI and ReactiveDOT for React and Tailwind stacks. Prefer actively maintained templates.

Conclusion

If you are building on Polkadot in 2025, a sensible default stack is PAPI with ReactiveDOT on the front end, Paraspell for cross chain, Chopsticks for safe simulation, and POP to PDP for deployment. This combo minimizes boilerplate, tightens feedback loops, and takes you from prototype to production faster.

Suggested external sources

PAPI site → https://papi.how
PAPI in Polkadot Dev Docs → https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/toolkit/api-libraries/papi/
Dedot docs → https://docs.dedot.dev/
Dedot in Polkadot Dev Docs → https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/toolkit/api-libraries/dedot/
ReactiveDOT site → https://reactivedot.dev/
POP CLI in Polkadot Docs → https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/toolkit/parachains/quickstart/pop-cli/
ink and POP CLI guide → https://use.ink/docs/v5/getting-started/pop-cli/
PDP forum update → https://forum.polkadot.network/t/polkadot-deployment-portal-the-1-click-solution-for-polkadot/12176
POP to PDP guide → https://learn.onpop.io/chains/guides/launch-a-chain/deploy-a-chain-polkadot-deployment-portal
Paraspell in Polkadot Docs → https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/toolkit/interoperability/paraspell-xcm-sdk/
Paraspell npm → https://www.npmjs.com/package/@paraspell/sdk
Bagpipes forum post → https://forum.polkadot.network/t/powerful-no-code-cross-chain-xcm-dapp-builder/4767
Bagpipes site → https://bagpipes.io/
Chopsticks in Polkadot Docs → https://docs.polkadot.com/develop/toolkit/parachains/fork-chains/chopsticks/

Apillon Apillon is Simplifying Web3 development on Polkadot with easy APIs and prebuilt solutions for fast dApp creation.

Bagpipes Streamline blockchain workflows with Bagpipes platform enabling seamless automation, innovation, and cross-chain dApp creation.

Chopsticks Chopsticks simplifies Substrate blockchain development with local forking, block replay, and XCM testing for efficient innovation.

Dedot Discover Dedot, a lightweight JavaScript client enhancing dapp development for Polkadot and Substrate-based blockchains.

DSNP Protocol Decentralized Social Networking Protocol (DSNP) for a New Era of Social Media

Frontier The Ethereum compatibility layer for Substrate, enabling seamless dApp migration, EVM execution, and blockchain interoperability.

Gear Protocol The Gear Protocol is a versatile platform designed to streamline the development of dApps.

Glove Glove ensures secure, anonymous, and verifiable voting for Polkadot OpenGov using AWS Nitro Enclaves, enhancing privacy and trust.

Development Tools for Polkadot Explore Development Tools for Polkadot.

Ink! Ink! is a Rust-based smart contract language for Substrate, optimizing security, scalability, and efficiency in blockchain development.

Lollipop Lollipop Builders enables Solana sBPF execution on PolkaVM with JAM, preserving Solana settlement and liquidity without bridges.

More Kudos Kudos streamlines developer onboarding, incentivizes contributions, and fosters collaboration within the Polkadot ecosystem.

Ocelloids Effortlessly access real-time, cross-chain blockchain data with Ocelloids. Simplify integration, enhance automation, and build smarter apps.

Polkadot API (PAPI) Streamline blockchain workflows with Bagpipes platform enabling seamless automation, innovation, and cross-chain dApp creation.

Parachain Builder The Parachain Runtime Builder simplifies Polkadot parachain development with templates, pre-built pallets, and customizable configurations.

Paraspell Unlock cross-chain interoperability with ParaSpell's XCM tools, offering seamless asset transfers, messaging, and data visualization in Polkadot.

PDP Deploy native Polkadot rollups effortlessly with PDP—one-click launch, shared security, sub-minute finality, agile scaling, cross-chain interoperability.

Peer3 Peer3 SDK enables real time peer to peer smart contracts on Polkadot with state channels, zero fees, shared security.

Perfuse Launch and manage your Polkadot parachains effortlessly with Perfuse secure, scalable infrastructure and 24/7 monitoring..

PlutoFramework PlutoFramework is a Modular Framework for Mobile Application Development in Substrate-Based Blockchain Environments.

Polana Polana merges Solana’s UX with JAM’s parallel execution to deliver unmatched performance, continuous execution, and cross-chain composability.

Polkadart Polkadart simplifies Polkadot app development with Dart APIs, type safety, key management, and blockchain interaction tools.

Contract Wizard Polkadot Contract Wizard simplifies smart contract creation and interaction across Polkadot and Kusama networks with ease..

Polkadot Runtime Releaser Streamline Polkadot runtime development with PRR and its deterministic builds, Docker integration, and advanced runtime management tools.

Polkadot SDK Polkadot SDK is a robust toolkit for building scalable, interoperable blockchain solutions on the Polkadot network.

Polkadot.js Suite of tools designed for developers and power users within the Polkadot ecosystem

POP CLI Streamline Polkadot development with POP CLI. Effortless project setup, dynamic pallet integration, and comprehensive documentation.

POP Network POP Network is Simplifying smart contract development on Polkadot with powerful tools, cross-chain support, and dAppChains.

ReactiveDOT A lightweight, reactive library for building high-performance Substrate front-ends, leveraging Polkadot-API for seamless development.

Revive Revive enhances Solidity compatibility on PolkaVM, leveraging YUL and RISC-V for high-performance smart contract execution.

Scout Scout is an open-source tool that helps detect vulnerabilities in Substrate pallets and ink! smart contracts, enhancing security.

Simnode Simnode empowers Substrate developers with full control over block production, signature verification, and live chain testing tools.

Smoldot A lightweight, efficient client for Substrate-based blockchains like Polkadot and Kusama, enabling secure, decentralized connectivity.

Solang Solang is a powerful Solidity compiler for Polkadot, enabling seamless smart contract development with unique blockchain optimizations.

SQD SQD Network is a decentralized query engine optimized for the batch extraction of large volumes of data.

Subcoin Subcoin revolutionizes Bitcoin syncing with decentralized fast sync, trustless UTXO snapshots, and Polkadot-SDK integration.

Subquery SubQuery is an open-source, decentralized data infrastructure network that provides both Remote Procedure Call (RPC) and indexed data.

Sidecar Interact with Substrate blockchain nodes effortlessly using the Substrate API Sidecar, a powerful RESTful service for developers.

Substrate Connect A secure, decentralized tool enabling seamless browser-based interaction with Substrate-based blockchains using light clients.

Subxt Subxt is a powerful Rust library for seamless interaction with Substrate-based blockchain nodes in the Polkadot ecosystem.

Sygma Sygma is a modular, open-source protocol enabling fast, secure cross-chain communication between EVM, Substrate, and beyond.

Tanssi Network Tanssi is an appchain infrastructure protocol designed to streamline the development and deployment of custom blockchains for various applications

Txwrapper Txwrapper-core are essential tools for FRAME chain builders to create secure, offline transaction libraries in the Polkadot ecosystem.

Vara Network Vara Network is a stand-alone layer-1 decentralized network designed to leverage the strengths of the Gear Protocol.

Zombienet Zombienet simplifies testing for Substrate-based blockchains, enabling ephemeral network creation, assertions, and multi-provider support seamlessly.